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In an exciting move to boost its entertainment, sports, and media (ESM) practice, Weil, Gotshal & Manges has welcomed David Markman as a new partner in its Los Angeles office. This addition comes right after the firm hired Tom Ara, also from DLA Piper, showcasing its commitment to enhancing its expertise in high-stakes deals within the entertainment realm. Markman’s arrival is a crucial step for Weil as it looks to strengthen its foothold in a market that’s increasingly hungry for top-notch legal services in the entertainment sector.
Markman’s Expertise and Vision
David Markman brings a wealth of experience to Weil, having previously co-chaired DLA Piper’s entertainment transactions practice. His impressive background covers a wide range of entertainment deals, from project acquisition and financing to distribution and sales.
Markman has worked with an eclectic mix of clients, including writers, actors, directors, and producers, navigating complex negotiations that often involve intricate agreements with both above-the-line and below-the-line talent.
Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Markman said, “I’m thrilled to join the firm and reunite with my former colleague Tom Ara at this exciting time.
Weil’s focus on building a top-notch ESM practice that provides clients with elite, market-leading expertise represents an enormous opportunity — I cannot wait to get started.” His dedication to nurturing strong client relationships and offering strategic advice aligns seamlessly with Weil’s mission to deliver unparalleled legal support in the entertainment field.
Strategic Growth in a Competitive Landscape
Weil’s executive partner, Barry Wolf, emphasized the importance of Markman’s addition, pointing out that his expertise will enhance the firm’s capacity to serve high-profile clients engaged in significant deals. Markman has consistently been recognized as a leading figure in the entertainment, sports, and media landscape, earning accolades on Variety’s 2024 Legal Impact Report.
His track record includes guiding some of the industry’s most prominent names through headline-making transactions, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier practitioner.
Michael J. Aiello, chairman of Weil’s corporate department, noted the value of Markman’s extensive experience across various ESM sectors, including traditional film and music, as well as emerging domains like gaming and digital media.
This broad knowledge equips Weil to tackle the complexities of today’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape effectively.
A Bright Future for Weil’s ESM Practice
The timing of Markman’s addition couldn’t be better for Weil as it aims to strengthen its presence in California and expand its ESM capabilities. Charan Sandhu, head of the technology and IP transactions practice at Weil, highlighted that bringing in top talent like Markman is essential for building on the firm’s existing strengths in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. This strategic move not only enhances Weil’s offerings but also boosts its competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.
Tana Ryan, managing partner of Weil’s L.A. office, commented on Markman’s potential to deliver immediate value to the firm’s expanding list of ESM clients. By combining his extensive experience with Weil’s robust legal framework, Markman is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of the practice as it continues to evolve and respond to changing industry demands. What exciting developments await us in the world of entertainment law? Only time will tell!
